Guest blog: rise in popularity of low and alcohol-free drinks

So, you’ve kicked off the year thinking about booze—or more specifically, how much of it you’re drinking. Maybe you’ve done the Dry January® challenge or just decided it’s time to cut back. Either way, you’re probably wondering, “What next?” If simply saying, “I’ll drink less,” made it so, life would be a doddle. But let’s face it, it’s rarely that simple.

Perhaps you planned to stick to two drinks and found yourself waking up not remembering the night before. Or maybe you were smashing it with two weeks alcohol-free, only to break your streak with a wedding champagne toast because, well, water didn’t feel celebratory. Whatever happens, it’s all part of the process, not the failure.

The good news? There are loads of ways to stick to your goals, and one of the best-kept secrets is alcohol-free drinks. These aren’t just “second best”—they’re a game-changer for many people  looking to reset their relationship with alcohol. Let’s dive in.

What Exactly Are Alcohol-Free Drinks?

You already drink alcohol-free options all the time—think coffee, tea, or your morning orange juice. These drinks naturally contain no booze (or only tiny, trace amounts). 

Alcohol-free beers, wines, and spirits fall into the same space: they won’t get you drunk, but they tend to lean towards more slow sipping flavour profiles and are designed to replace alcohol in social settings or as a treat. They often use the same techniques as alcohol to make but with some modifications. So alcohol-free beer can use arrested fermentation (to stop it becoming alcoholic), or like wine be de-alcoholised (using vacuum distillation to remove the alcohol). Spirits may use distillation, maceration or even vinegars to extract flavour. They are aimed at adults so most will need you to flash age ID at the till! 

How to make the most of alcohol-free drinks 

Substituting an alcoholic drink for an alcohol-free one is a simple but powerful behaviour change tool. So how do you work out which drink is going to keep you satisfied throughout 2025?

1. Keep exploring
   Not every alcohol-free drink will be your cup of tea—or pint of beer. But don’t give up! Tastes change when alcohol’s out of the picture, so be patient and try a variety. There’s a whole world of booze-free options waiting for you.
2. Enjoy them for what they are
   Don’t get hung up on comparing alcohol-free drinks to their boozy counterparts. Alcohol is a powerful flavour enhancer, so of course, there’s a difference. Instead, ask yourself: “Do I like this? Does it suit the moment? Does it make me feel included?”
   
   
3. Understand the price tag
   Yes, some alcohol-free drinks cost a bit more, but there’s a reason for that. They’re trickier to make and need extra preservation. The payoff? You’ll likely drink fewer drinks, feel better for it, and maybe even get more out of that gym membership you’re paying for.
4. They're not sugar bombs
   Forget the myth that alcohol-free options are packed with sugar. Alcohol-free beer, for example, is naturally sugar-free. These drinks are designed for adults—not a fizzy pop replacement.
   
   
5. Explore beyond mimics
   Not every alcohol-free drink is an alcohol-free version of beer or wine. Some are completely unique, offering new flavours you won’t find in alcohol. Check out online retailers like Wisebartender, Majestic, and your local supermarket for ideas and do a personal taste test.
   
   
6. Plan ahead
   Pubs and bars in the UK are getting better and better at stocking drinks for everyone. Before heading out, check venues’ drink menus online so you know what your options are. And if a place lets you down, speak up! Many venues are keen to improve their alcohol-free offerings.
   
   
7. Stock up at home
   A well-stocked fridge is your best mate. Fill it with alcohol-free options you genuinely enjoy—think sparkling teas, craft beers, or botanical mixers. Having these to hand makes it easier to stick to your goals.
   
   
8. Watch out for triggers
   If an alcohol-free drink makes you crave the real thing, skip it. For most people, this isn’t an issue, but it’s worth knowing your boundaries.
   
   
9. 0.0 - 0.5% drinks are your friend
   Global brands are bringing out 0.05% versions of their drinks. They have invested in technology that allows them to take away alcohol leaving a drink that is the strength of a cola. But all drinks at 0.5% ABV contain no more alcohol than many everyday foods. It is a natural trace level of alcohol and won’t get you drunk or break your sober streak. 

The power of choice

Changing your relationship with alcohol doesn’t mean giving up on fun, flavour, or socialising. Filling your glass with something alcohol-free that you genuinely enjoy can be the difference between feeling deprived and feeling empowered.

Remember, drinking isn’t compulsory—and now more than ever, you’ve got brilliant options that mean you don’t have to compromise. Whether you’re kicking back on the sofa, raising a toast, or heading to the pub, your favourite alcohol-free drink has got your back.

Cheers to 2025—your year of choice, freedom, and a cracking good time.

Laura’s top alcohol-free suggestions:

• For beer look out for Lucky Saint on draught in your local pub, or pick up a craft beer like Big Drop, which has styles you might recognise like an IPA or stout. 
• Look out for Zeno Red or Moderato Colombard white wine in the local supermarket or in Majestic. They are our top sellers. 
• Spirits range from drinks that are not replicas of alcohol like Three Spirit (which is a mood enhancing offering), Everleaf which uses amazing botanical ingredients, or Botivo (which uses a shrub style method to create a bitter sweet herbal drink to lengthen with soda)
• Or drinks that mimic alcohol like Rebels 0.0% (they have everything from Gin to Rum) or Smiling Wolf that is also a mood enhancing spirit.

Places to buy

• joinclubsoda.com
• wisebartender.co.uk
• Majestic
• All major supermarkets and Ocado

Laura Willoughby MBE is the co-founder of Club Soda Tasting Room and shop. 

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